Brake device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus a housing structure and a magnetic assembly. The magnetic assembly is configured to slide within the housing structure in a first direction associated with a direction of travel of the housing structure and in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The magnetic assembly includes a first pole plate having a first polarity and a second pole plate having a second polarity that is opposite of the first polarity.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a brake device.

BACKGROUND

Induction motors are used in transportation system to move vehicles,such as railcars. For example, a linear induction motor may providepower to a railcar and cause the railcar to travel along a set oftracks. In the event of a loss of power, one or more systems of therailcar may become disabled, such as a braking system. When a loss ofpower occurs, the railcar may continue to travel along the tracks untilthe railcar eventually slows to a stop.

SUMMARY

In a particular implementation, an apparatus includes a housingstructure and a magnetic assembly. The magnetic assembly is configuredto slide within the housing structure in a first direction associatedwith a direction of travel of the housing structure and in a seconddirection that is opposite of the first direction. The magnetic assemblyincludes a first pole plate having a first polarity and a second poleplate having a second polarity that is opposite of the first polarity.

In another particular implementation, a method includes, at a brakedevice including a housing structure and a magnetic assembly coupled tothe housing structure, the magnetic assembly configured to move relativeto the housing structure in a first direction and in a second directionwithin the housing structure, performing moving the housing structure inthe first direction that is the same as a direction of travel of thebrake device. The method further includes applying, by the magneticassembly to the housing structure, a first force that is applied in anopposite direction of the direction of travel. The method also includesmoving the magnetic assembly in the first direction responsive to asecond force applied by the housing in the direction of travel.

In another particular implementation, a system that includes a primaryof an induction motor and a transportation vehicle. The transportationvehicle includes a secondary of the induction motor and a brake device.The secondary configured to cause movement of the transportation vehiclein a direction of travel responsive to the primary of the inductor motorbeing energized. The brake device configured to apply a braking force tothe transportation vehicle responsive to the primary of the inductormotor being de-energized.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been described can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments, further details of which are disclosed with referenceto the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a vehicle that includes a brake module;

FIG. 2 includes diagrams to illustrate operation of the brake module ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric assembly drawing of an illustrative example of abrake module;

FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of an illustrative example of a brakemodule;

FIG. 5 is a bottom isometric view of an illustrative example of brakemodule;

FIG. 6 is an isometric drawing of an illustrative example of brakemodules mounted to a frame;

FIG. 7 is an isometric drawing of an illustrative example of brakemodules mounted to a frame;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an illustrative example of a method ofoperating a brake module;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrative of a life cycle of a vehicle thatincludes a brake module; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a vehiclethat includes a brake module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described belowwith reference to the drawings. In the description, common features aredesignated by common reference numbers throughout the drawings.

Aspects disclosed herein include a brake device, such as a passivemagnetic brake module. The brake device may be coupled to a vehicle thatmoves using an induction motor, such as a linear induction motor. In theevent of a power loss at the induction motor (e.g., no power is providedto the vehicle via the induction motor), the brake device may apply abraking force that is opposed to a direction of travel of the vehicle.Energy of the vehicle may be attenuated by the brake device, which mayincrease a rate at which the vehicle is slowed and stopped.

The brake device may include a non-magnetic housing structure having amagnetic assembly disposed therein. The magnetic assembly may beconfigured to slide forwards (e.g., in the direction of travel of thevehicle) and backwards (e.g., in an opposite direction of the directionof travel of the vehicle) within the non-magnetic housing structure. Themagnetic assembly may include multiple pole plates and one or moremagnets. A magnet may be positioned between two pole plates and eachpole plate may have a corresponding polarity.

In the event of a power loss experience by the induction motor,interaction of magnetic fields of the pole plates and stator poles ofthe primary of the induction motor may cause the pole plates to attemptto align with the stator poles of the primary of the induction motor,such that the magnetic assembly including the pole plates slidesrelative to the non-magnetic housing structure towards a position inwhich the pole plates align with a number of stator poles (e.g., a setof stator poles) of the primary of the linear induction motor. If thevehicle is moving (e.g., in a direction of travel) when the power lossoccurs, the non-magnetic housing structure coupled to the vehicle alsomoves in the direction of travel while the magnetic assembly and poleplates remain relatively fixed with respect to their alignment with theset of stator poles of the primary of the induction motor. A portion ofthe non-magnetic housing structure may come into contact with themagnetic structure and apply a force in the direction of travel. Whenthe magnetic assembly is contacted by the non-magnetic housingstructure, the magnetic assembly may apply a braking or reluctance forceto the non-magnetic housing structure that is opposite to the directionof travel. The reluctance force may operate to slow a velocity ofnon-magnetic housing structure (e.g., the vehicle) in the direction oftravel, to thereby cause deceleration of the vehicle.

If the force applied by the non-magnetic housing structure in thedirection of travel is less than the reluctance force, the non-magnetichousing structure may come to a stop. However, if the force applied bythe non-magnetic housing structure in the direction of travel is greaterthan the braking or reluctance force, the non-magnetic housing structuremay advance the magnetic assembly in the direction of travel and causethe pole plates to move out of alignment with the set of stator poles ofthe primary, to interrupt the braking or reluctance force being appliedto slow the vehicle. With the interruption of force applied by themagnetic assembly to the non-magnetic housing structure (e.g., thevehicle), the force applied by the non-magnetic housing may cause themagnetic assembly to move away from contact with the non-magnetichousing structure and slide relative to the non-magnetic housingstructure in the direction of travel. For example, the magnetic assemblymay jump ahead of the non-magnetic housing structure in the direction oftravel and may attempt to align with a different set of stator polespositioned at a different location of the primary. A travel length ordistance that the magnetic assembly may slide in the non-magnetichousing structure may be at least greater than the spacing or distancebetween two adjacent poles. Because the travel length or distance thatthe magnetic assembly may slide in the non-magnetic housing structure isat least greater than the spacing or distance between the poles, themagnetic assembly does not slide into contact with, or impart a force inthe direction of travel, against an opposite portion of the non-magnetichousing structure. Instead, the magnetic assembly and pole plates sliderelative to the non-magnetic housing structure in the direction oftravel towards the next set or number of stator poles of the primary,such that the magnetic assembly and pole plates come into relativelyfixed alignment with a different set of stator poles before the magneticassembly can contact or impact the non-magnetic housing structure in thedirection of travel. With the magnetic assembly again being relativelyfixed in alignment with a different set of stator poles, thenon-magnetic housing structure may again contact the magnetic assemblyand apply a force on the magnetic assembly in the direction of travel.The magnetic assembly may again apply to the non-magnetic housingstructure a braking or reluctance force that is opposite to thedirection of travel. In a successive manner, the magnetic assembly mayapply a braking or reluctance force multiple times to reduce thevelocity of the housing structure (e.g. vehicle) in the direction oftravel.

Each time the non-magnetic housing structure advances the magneticassembly in the direction of travel, kinetic energy of the vehicle maybe dissipated. The non-magnetic housing structure may contact andadvance the magnetic assembly multiple times until movement of thevehicle in the direction of travel is stopped. Aspects disclosed hereinenable the brake device to increase a rate at which the vehicle isslowed and stopped in the event of a power loss.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating a particular exampleof a transportation system 100 is shown. The transportation system 100may include a vehicle 102 that is moved by an induction motor, such as alinear induction motor. The induction motor may include a primary 122and a secondary 120. The induction motor may be configured to cause thevehicle 102 to move in a direction of travel 103 (or in a direction thatis opposite of the direction of travel 103).

The vehicle 102 may include a chassis 110 and wheels 104, 106. Thewheels 104, 106 may be positioned on a surface 108 (e.g., the ground, aset of rails, etc.). For example, the vehicle 102 may include a railcarthat is positioned on a set of rails, as an illustrative, non-limitingexample. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 may be configured tolevitate above the surface 108 (e.g., a set of rails or a track system).Although the vehicle 102 may be described herein as a railcar, in otherimplementations, the vehicle 102 may include a transportation vehicleand/or other transportation device, such as an automobile, a boat, aplane, etc., as illustrative, non-limiting examples.

The vehicle 102 may include a first frame 112 and a second frame 114that are coupled to the chassis 110. The secondary 120 (e.g., a reactionplate) of the induction motor may be mounted to the first frame 112 anda brake device 130 (e.g., a brake module) may be mounted to the secondframe 114. The vehicle 102 may also include a second brake device (notshown) that is configured to brake (e.g., stop) the vehicle, asdescribed further herein.

A cross-sectional view of the brake device 130 is depicted at 180. Thebrake device 130 may be mounted to the vehicle 102 (e.g., the secondframe 114) using one or more fasteners or joint assembly processes(e.g., welding or adhesives). For example, one or more bolts 116 maysecure the brake device 130 to the second frame 114. The brake device130 may be secured to the second frame 114 such that the brake device130 is positioned above the primary 122 of the induction motor. In someimplementations, the brake device 130 may be configured to be mounteddirectly to the chassis 110.

The brake device 130 may include a housing structure 131 and a magneticassembly 148. The housing structure 131 may include a base 132, a firstwall 134, and a second wall 136. Each of the first wall 134 and thesecond wall 136 may be coupled to the base 132 using one or morefasteners or joint assembly processes (e.g., welding or adhesives). Forexample, one or more bolts 138 may couple the first wall 134 and thesecond wall 136 to the base 132. Each of the base 132, the first wall134, and the second wall 136 may include a non-magnetic material, suchas aluminum. The housing structure 131 may also include a first bumper140 and a second bumper 142. Each of the first bumper 140 and the secondbumper 142 may include a spring, a shock absorber, and/or an elasticmaterial (e.g., rubber), as illustrative, non-limiting examples. Thefirst bumper 140 may be coupled to the first wall 134 and the secondbumper 142 may be coupled to the second wall 136. Although the housingstructure 131 is described as having three distinct components (e.g.,the base 132, the first wall 134, and the second wall 136), in otherimplementations, the housing structure 131 may include more than threecomponents or fewer than three components. For example, the housingstructure 131 may be formed (e.g., manufactured) as a single piece ofaluminum, as an illustrative, non-limiting example.

The magnetic assembly 148 may include magnets 150-156 and pole plates160-168. For example, the magnets 150-156 may include a first magnet150, a second magnet 152, a third magnet 154, and a fourth magnet 156.Each of the magnets 150-156 may be a permanent magnet, such as a highenergy magnet. Although the magnetic assembly 148 is described asincluding four magnets, in other implementations, the magnetic assembly1448 may include more than or fewer than four magnets. The pole plates160-168 may include a first pole plate 160, a second pole plate 162, athird pole plate 164, a fourth pole plate 166, and a fifth pole plate168. Each of the pole plates 160-168 may include a magnetic material,such as steel. Each of the pole plates 160-168 may be spaced apart froman adjacent pole plate by approximately the same distance (e.g., at thesame predetermined spacing). For example, the first pole plate 160 maybe spaced apart from the second pole plate 162 at a distance (the samedistance between each of the plurality of pole plates) that isapproximately the same as the spacing between a pair of adjacent (e.g.,consecutive) stator poles of the primary 122, or an integer multiple ofthat spacing, to enable the first pole plate 160 and the second poleplate 162 (and other pole plates of the magnetic assembly 148) togenerally align with a set of stator poles 123 of the primary 122. Thespacing between the pole plates 160-168 (e.g., between the first poleplate 160 and the second pole plate 162) may enable the pole plates160-168 to align with a set of stator poles of the primary 122 havingstators that are spaced apart at approximate the same predeterminedspacing between the first pole plate 160 and the second pole plate 162.In a particular implementation of the brake device 130, each of the poleplates 160-168 is preferably spaced apart from an adjacent pole plate bya distance of about N inches (where N is a positive number), which maycorrespond to an associated spacing between respective stator plates ofa primary 122. Similarly, each of the magnets 150-156 has a width thatis based on (e.g., dependent on) the distance between the pole plates160-168. Additionally, each of the magnets 150-156 has an effectivelength that enables the magnetic assembly 148 to generate a magneticfield of sufficient strength to produce an attraction force for holdingthe pole plates 160-168 in alignment with the stator poles of theprimary 122 that may cause a braking or reluctance force applied to thehousing structure 131 (e.g., the vehicle 102) in a direction opposite tothe direction of travel. In a particular illustrative example of thebrake device 130, each of the magnets 150-156 preferably has a length ofat least N inches. Although the pole plates 160-168 are described asincluding five pole plates, in other implementations, the magneticassembly 148 may include more than or fewer than five pole plates.

The magnets 150-156 may be positioned between the pole plates 160-168.For example, each of the magnets 150-156 may be positioned between twopole plates. To illustrate, the first magnet 150 may be positionedbetween the first pole plate 160 and the second pole plate 162 such thata first pole (e.g., a north (N) pole) of the first magnet 150 isadjacent to the first pole plate 160 and a second pole (e.g., a south(S) pole) of the first magnet 150 is adjacent to the second pole plate162. The second magnet 152 may be positioned between the second poleplate 162 and the third pole plate 164 such that the first pole (e.g.,the N pole) of the second magnet 152 is adjacent to the third pole plate164 and the second pole (e.g., the S pole) of the second magnet 152 isadjacent to the second pole plate 162. The third magnet 154 may bepositioned between the third pole plate 164 and the fourth pole plate166 such that the first pole (e.g., the N pole) of the third magnet 154is adjacent to the third pole plate 164 and the second pole (e.g., the Spole) of the third magnet 154 is adjacent to the fourth pole plate 166.The fourth magnet 156 may be positioned between the fourth pole plate166 and the fifth pole plate 168 such that the first pole (e.g., the Npole) of the fourth magnet 156 is adjacent to the fifth pole plate 168and the second pole (e.g., the S pole) of the fourth magnet 156 isadjacent to the fourth pole plate 166.

Each of the pole plates 160-168 may focus magnetic flux(es) from anadjacent magnet or adjacent magnets and may have a correspondingpolarity. For example, each of the pole plates 160, 164, 168 may have afirst polarity (e.g., the N pole) and each of the pole plates 162, 166may have a second polarity (e.g., the S pole). To illustrate, the firstpole plate 160 (having the first polarity) may focus magnetic flux(associated with the first polarity) of the first magnet 150. The secondpole plate 162 (associated with the second polarity) may focus magneticflux (associated with the second polarity) of the first magnet 150 andthe second magnet 152. The third pole plate 164 (associated with thefirst polarity) may focus magnetic flux (associated with the firstpolarity) of the second magnet 152 and the third magnet 154. The fourthpole plate 166 (associated with the second polarity) may focus magneticflux (associated with the second polarity) of the third magnet 154 andthe fourth magnet 156. The fifth pole plate 168 (associated with thefirst polarity) may focus magnetic flux (associated with the firstpolarity) of the fourth magnet 156.

The magnetic assembly 148 may be positioned within and/or supported bythe housing structure 131. For example, the base 132 of the housingstructure 131 may include a slot 133 that is configured to receive aportion of the magnetic assembly 148, such as a portion of one or moreof the pole plates 160-168), as described further with reference to FIG.3. Additionally, the slot 133 may be configured to guide movement of themagnetic assembly 148 within the housing structure 131. As anotherexample, the housing structure 131 may include a bottom wall (not shown)that is coupled to the base 132, the first wall 134, and/or to thesecond wall 136. The magnetic assembly 148 may be supported by thebottom wall that is positioned between the magnetic assembly 148 and theprimary 122. The bottom wall may be non-magnetic. For example, thebottom wall may include aluminum, as an illustrative, non-limitingexample. In some implementations, the portion of the magnetic assembly148 may be positioned in the slot 133 (to support the magnetic assembly148) and the housing structure 131 may include a bottom wall to restrictaccess to the magnetic assembly 148.

The magnetic assembly 148 may be configured to move (e.g., slide) withinthe housing structure 131. For example, the magnetic assembly 148 may beconfigured to slide longitudinally in the direction of travel 103 oropposite of the direction of travel 103, as described further withreference to FIG. 2. To illustrate, the magnetic assembly 148 may beconfigured to move (e.g., slide) from a first position (corresponding tothe first bumper 140) of the housing structure 131 to a second position(corresponding to the second bumper 142) of the housing structure 131.Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic assembly 148 may beconfigured to move (e.g., slide) from the second position (correspondingto the second bumper 142) of the housing structure 131 to the firstposition (corresponding to the first bumper 140) of the housingstructure 131. A travel length or predetermined distance that themagnetic assembly 148 can slide within the housing structure 131 is atleast greater than the spacing or distance between the individual statorpoles 123, such that the magnetic assembly 148 may slide away from thefirst bumper 140 the predetermined distance towards relatively fixedalignment with another set of stator poles before the magnetic assembly148 can contact the second bumper 142. For example, the housingstructure 131 (e.g., the base 132) may be longer than the magneticassembly 148 (by at least the predetermined distance), such that themagnetic assembly 148 slides at least the predetermined distance withinthe housing structure 131. Additionally or alternatively, the distancethat the magnetic assembly 148 may slide within the housing structure131 is at least greater than a predetermined spacing between the firstpole plate 160 and the second pole plate 162.

The housing structure 131 may be configured to receive one or moreplates, such as a safety plate (not shown) or an operational plate 190.For example, the housing structure 131 may include one or more plateopenings, such as a first plate opening 191 and a second plate opening192. To illustrate, the first plate opening 191 may be included in thefirst wall 134 and the second plate opening 192 may be included in thesecond wall 136.

The safety plate may include a magnetic material, such as steel, as anillustrative, non-limiting example. When the safety plate is insertedinto the one or more plate openings 191, 192, the brake device 130 maybe rendered inoperable. For example, when the safety plate is inserted,the safety plate captures magnet fields produced by the magneticassembly 148 and relatively little flux is provided outside of the brakedevice 130. Stated differently, the safety plate neutralizes themagnetic fields produced by the magnets 150-156 and, thus, there is nota significant field produced by the magnets 150-158 outside of thehousing structure 131. To illustrate, the magnetic assembly 148 mayremain in the same position relative to the safety plate while thesafety plate is inserted in the brake device 130. Accordingly, thesafety plate inhibits movement of the magnetic assembly 148, and enablesthe brake device 130 to be handled, moved, installed, repaired, etc.,without having the magnetic assembly 148 being able to move freelywithin the housing structure 131 or apply a reluctance force to thehousing structure 131.

When the safety plate is removed, the brake device 130 may beoperational and the magnetic assembly 148 may be free to move (e.g.,slide) within the housing structure 131. For example, the magneticfields associated with the magnetic assembly 148 may extend outside ofthe brake device 130 (e.g., the housing structure 131) and may cause themagnetic assembly to shift (e.g., slide) within the housing structure131. The operational plate 190 may be inserted into one or more of plateopenings 191, 192 when the brake device 130 is operational to preventobjects from being inserted into the one or more plate openings 191,192. The operational plate 190 may include a non-magnetic material, suchas aluminum or plastic, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. In someimplementations, the operational plate 190 may include a warning, suchas a sign, that indicates that the brake device 130 is operationaland/or that magnetic fields (associated with the magnetic assembly 148)are present.

The induction motor may include the primary 122 and the secondary 120.The primary 122 of the induction motor may include a set of coils and issometimes called a stator. The coils of the primary 122 may include orcorrespond to stator poles 123 (or stator teeth). The secondary 120 maybe referred to as a reaction plate. The induction motor (e.g., theprimary 122) may extend in a longitudinal direction that is along thedirection of travel 103.

The set of coils of the primary 122 may include multiple coils arrangedto generate a magnetic flux (e.g., a control flux), such as arepresentative magnetic field 182. For example, the multiple coils maybe arranged along the longitudinal direction and each coil may beconfigured (e.g., wired) to receive current of a corresponding phase ofmulti-phase current. The multi-phase current may include two or morecurrent phases, such as two-phase alternating current, three-phasealternating current, etc., as illustrative, non-limiting examples.

To illustrate, the multi-phase current may be applied to the coils ofthe primary 122 to generate a moving magnetic field (e.g., the magneticfield 182). The magnetic field 182 (e.g., magnetic flux) may beorientated along the same longitudinal direction that the primaryextends. It should be understood that the magnetic field 182 depicted inFIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes and that the magnetic field 182produced by the primary 122 may have a different magnitude and/or adifferent frequency than illustrated. The magnetic field 182 maypropagate (e.g., move) in the direction of travel 103. The movingmagnetic field 182 of the coils of the primary 122 may induce currentflow in the secondary 120, which generates an induced magnetic field.The induced magnetic field may generate a force in the secondary 120that is in the direction of travel 103. Interaction of the movingmagnetic field 182 of the primary 122 and the induced magnetic field ofthe secondary 120 may create a force that moves (e.g., propels) thesecondary 120. Moving the secondary 120 may cause the vehicle 102 tomove in the same direction. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the inducedmagnetic field of the secondary 120 moves the secondary 120 (e.g., thevehicle 102) in the direction of travel 103.

When the induction motor is off and the vehicle 102 is in a stoppedposition (e.g., the vehicle 102 is not moving) above the primary 122,the magnetic assembly 148 may interact with the primary 122 of theinduction motor. For example, each of the pole plates 160-168 mayinteract with a different stator pole 123 of the primary 122. Toillustrate, the pole plates 160-168 may center (e.g., align) above a setof stator poles 123 due to magnetic fields of the pole plates 160-168being attracted to the set of stator poles 123.

When the induction motor is active (e.g., energized), the vehicle 102may be maintained in the stopped position using a second brake device(not shown). The second brake device, such as an active braking device,may be operable using power received from the secondary 120. The secondbrake device may apply a braking force to the vehicle 102. For example,the second brake device may physically couple to the wheels 104, 106 toapply a frictional braking force. As another example, the second brakedevice may prevent a magnetic field from being induced in the secondary120. For example, the second brake device may ground the secondary 120such that a magnetic field may not be induced in the secondary 120.

When the induction motor is on and the vehicle 102 is moving (e.g., thesecond brake device is not braking the vehicle 102), the primary 122 maygenerate the magnetic field 182 that induces a magnetic field in thesecondary 120. The induced magnetic field may generate a force in thedirection of travel 103 that causes the vehicle 102 to move in thedirection of travel (e.g., if the second brake device is not active anddoes not apply a braking force to the vehicle 102). Additionally, whenthe induction motor is active (e.g., the primary 122 is energized), themagnetic field 182 may disable the brake device 130 by overcoming themagnetic flux generated by the magnets 150-156. For example, themagnetic assembly 148 (e.g., the magnets 150-156 and/or the pole plates160-168) may try to align with the traveling magnetic field 182.Accordingly, the moving magnetic field 182 may push the magneticassembly in the direction of travel 103. To illustrate, the magneticfield 182 may cause the magnetic assembly 148 to slide within thehousing structure 131 in the direction of travel 103. In someimplementations, the magnetic field 182 may cause the magnetic assembly148 to slide into contact with the second bumper 142. When the magneticassembly 148 is in contact with the second bumper 142 and is beingpushed by the magnetic field 182, the magnetic assembly 148 may apply aforce to the second bumper 142 (e.g., the vehicle 102) in the directionof travel 103. The force applied by the magnetic assembly 148 in thedirection of travel 103 may be in addition to a force applied by thesecondary 120 (e.g., the reaction plate) to the vehicle 102 that causesthe vehicle 102 to move in the direction of travel 103.

If power is lost while (e.g., the primary 122 becomes de-energized), themagnetic assembly 148 may align itself with the stator poles 123. Forexample, the magnetic assembly 148 may slide within the housingstructure 131 such that the pole plates 16-168 may center (e.g., align)above a set of stator poles 123. If the vehicle 102 is moving in thedirection of travel 103 when power is lost, the magnetic assembly 148may interact with the housing structure 131 to provide a braking force(e.g., a reluctance force) to the vehicle 102, as described further withreference to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, diagrams that illustrate operation of the brakedevice 130 after a power loss are depicted. The brake device 130 isillustrated at a first stage, at 200. Prior to the first stage, thebrake device 130 (e.g., the vehicle 102) was traveling in the directionof travel 103 responsive to the magnetic field 182 generated by theprimary 122. The first stage depicts the brake device 130 after theprimary 122 has lost power. In response to the loss of power, themagnetic assembly 148 may align with the primary 122, such that the poleplates 160-168 may align with a first set of stator poles 208 of theprimary 122. Accordingly, the magnetic assembly 148 including the poleplates 160-168 may slide relative to the housing structure 131 towards aposition in which the pole plates 160-168 align with a number of statorpoles 123 (e.g., the first set of stator poles 208) of the primary 122.

The brake device 130 is illustrated at a second stage after the powerloss, at 210. At the second stage, the magnetic assembly 148 may bealigned with the first set of stator poles 208, where the magneticassembly 148 produces an attraction force for holding the pole plates160-168 in alignment with the set of stator poles 208 such that themagnetic assembly 148 remains generally fixed with respect to the firstset of stator poles 208. Between the first stage (at 200) and the secondstage (at 210), the housing structure 131 may have continued to advancein the direction of travel 103 based on the kinetic energy of thehousing structure 131 (e.g., the forward motion of the vehicle 102 inthe direction of travel 103). For example, the first bumper 140 may becloser to the magnetic assembly 148 at the second stage (at 210) than atthe first stage (at 200).

The brake device 130 is illustrated at a third stage after the powerloss, at 220. At the third stage, the magnetic assembly 148 may bealigned with the first set of stator poles 208, such that the magneticassembly 148 remains generally fixed with respect to the first set ofstator poles 208. Between the second stage (at 210) and the third stage(at 220), the housing structure 131 may have continued to advance in thedirection of travel 103. For example, the first bumper 140 may be incontact with the magnetic assembly 148. Based on the magnetic couplingbetween the magnetic assembly 148 (e.g., the pole plates 160-168) andthe first set of stator poles 208, the magnetic assembly 148 may apply afirst force (e.g., a braking force) that opposes a second force 221 ofthe housing structure 131 in the direction of travel 103. For example, afirst force 222 (e.g., a first reluctance force) may be generatedbecause the magnetic fields of the pole plates 160-168 cause the poleplates 160-168 to remain in a fixed position relative to the first setof stator poles 208 until the second force 221 overcomes the first force222. At the third stage (at 220) the second force 221 of the housingstructure 131 in the direction of travel 103 may be greater than thefirst force 222.

The brake device 130 is illustrated at a fourth stage after the powerloss, at 230. If the second force 221 of the housing structure 131 inthe direction of travel 103 is greater than the first reluctance force222, the housing structure 131 may advance the magnetic assembly 148 inthe direction of travel 103 and cause the pole plates 160-168 to moveout of alignment with the first set of stator poles 208, to interruptthe first reluctance force 222 being applied. At the fourth stage, themagnetic assembly 148 may be offset (in the direction of travel 103)with respect to the first set of stator poles 208. For example, betweenthe third stage (at 220) and the fourth stage (at 230), the housingstructure 131 may have applied the second force 221 in the direction oftravel 103 on the magnetic assembly 148 and caused the magnetic assembly148 to move in the direction of travel 103. To move the magneticassembly 148 in the direction of travel 103, kinetic energy of thehousing structure 131 (e.g., the vehicle 102) may be dissipated, whichmay reduce a speed of the housing structure 131 (e.g., the vehicle 102)in the direction of travel 103. Although the magnetic assembly 148 movesin the direction of travel 103, the magnetic assembly 148 does notcontact or impart a force in the direction of travel 103 against thesecond bumper 142, because the travel length or distance that themagnetic assembly 148 can slide in the housing structure 131 is at leastgreater than the spacing or distance between the stator poles 123 (ofthe primary). Thus, the magnetic assembly 148 does not slide intocontact with or impart a force against the second bumper 142 because themagnetic assembly 148 slides towards and comes to a stop in relativelyfixed alignment with the second set of stator poles 248 before themagnetic assembly 148 can contact or impact the second bumper 142.

The brake device 130 is illustrated at a fifth stage after power loss,at 240. At the fifth stage, the magnetic assembly 148 may be alignedwith a second set of stator poles 248 of the primary 122. For example,the pole plates 160-168 may be aligned with (e.g., centered on) thesecond set of stator poles 248. Between the fourth stage (at 230) andthe fifth stage (at 240), the housing structure 131 may have pushed themagnetic assembly 148 out of alignment with the first set of statorpoles 208 sufficiently that the magnetic assembly 148 has advanced(e.g., jumped) forward in the direction of travel 103 to align with thesecond set of stator poles 208. In some implementations, the magneticassembly 148 may advance from the first set of stator poles 208 to thesecond set of stator poles 248 when a pole plate (e.g., the first poleplate 160) the magnetic assembly 148 is offset with respect to acorresponding stator pole of the primary 122 by more than approximatelya third to a half of a width (w) of the pole plate.

The brake device 130 is illustrated at a sixth stage after power loss,at 250. At the sixth stage, the housing assembly has advanced in thedirection of travel 103 and the first bumper 140 is in contact with themagnetic assembly 148. For example, between the fifth stage (at 240) andthe sixth stage (at 250) the housing structure 131 has advanced in thedirection of travel 103 while the magnetic assembly 148 has remainedrelatively fixed with respect to the second set of stator poles 248. Atthe sixth stage, the magnetic assembly 148 may apply a third force 252(e.g., a braking force) and the first bumper 140 (e.g., the housingstructure 131) may apply a fourth force 251 in the direction of travel103 to the magnetic assembly 148. The third force 252 (e.g., areluctance force) may oppose the fourth force 251.

If the fourth force 251 is less than or equal to the third force 252,the housing structure 131 may no longer move in the direction of travel103 (e.g., the vehicle 102 may be stopped). Alternatively, if the fourthforce 251 is greater than the third force 252, the housing structure 131may cause the magnetic assembly 148 to advance in the direction oftravel 103. For example, if the fourth force 251 is sufficient to movethe magnetic assembly 148 out of alignment with respect to the secondset of stator poles 248, the magnetic assembly 148 may move (in thedirection of travel 103) into alignment with another set of stator polesof the primary 122. However, if the fourth force 251 is insufficient tomove the magnetic assembly 148 out of alignment with the second set ofstator poles 248 (e.g., moving the magnetic assembly 148 reduces thefourth force 251 to be less than the third force 252), the housingstructure 131 (e.g., the vehicle) may come to rest and may no longeradvance in the direction of travel 103. Thus, in a successive manner,the magnetic assembly 148 may apply a braking or reluctance forcemultiple times to reduce the velocity of the housing structure 131 (e.g.the vehicle 102) in the direction of travel 103.

Each time the housing structure 131 advances the magnetic assembly 148in the direction of travel 103, energy may be dissipated from thehousing structure 131 (e.g., from the vehicle 102). For example, eachtime the housing structure 131 advances the magnetic assembly 148 in thedirection of travel 103, a velocity of the vehicle in the direction oftravel 103 may be reduced. The housing structure 131 may advance themagnetic assembly 148 multiple times until movement of the vehicle 102in the direction of travel 103 is stopped or until power is resumed.

In some implementations, multiple brake devices may be coupled to thesecond frame 114, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Themultiple brake devices may increase a reluctance force that may beapplied to slow the vehicle.

Thus, the brake device 130 may be used to slow the velocity of thevehicle 102 in the event of a power loss associated with the inductormotor. For example, the brake device 130 may decay the velocity of thevehicle 102 rather than trying to abruptly stop the vehicle 102. Becausethe brake device 130 slows the vehicle 102 without receiving a powerinput, the brake device 130 may be considered a passive brake device.

Referring to FIG. 3, an assembly drawing of the brake device 130 isdepicted and generally designated 300. The first wall 134 may be coupledto the base 132 by the bolts 138, lock washers 339, and washers 337. Thefirst bumper 140 may be coupled to the first wall 134. Although thefirst wall 134 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as not having a plate opening,in other implementations, the first wall 134 may include plate opening,such as the plate opening 191 of FIG. 1.

The base 132 may be configured to receive the magnetic assembly 148. Forexample, the base 132 may include slots into which magnetic assembly 148may be inserted. The magnetic assembly 148 may include the pole plates160-168 and the magnets 150-156. Each of the pole plates 160-168 mayhave one or more tabs 335 that are each configured to fit into the slot133.

The second wall 136 may be coupled to the base 132 by the bolts 138, thelock washers 339, and the washers 337. For example, the second wall 136may be coupled to the base 132 after the magnetic assembly 148 isinserted into (e.g., positioned within) the base 132. The second wall136 may include a plate opening 360. The plate opening 360 maycorrespond to the plate opening 192 of FIG. 1.

A safety plate 362, such as a steel plate, may be inserted through theplate opening 360 after the second wall 136 is coupled to the base 132.Additionally or alternatively, the safety plate 362 may be removed fromthe brake device 130 via the plate opening 360. The safety plate 362,when inserted into the base 132 via the plate opening 360, may beconfigured to disable the magnetic assembly 148 from freely slidingwithin the base 132. In other implementations, the safety plate 362 maybe magnetically coupled to the magnetic assembly 148 prior to themagnetic assembly 148 being inserted into the base 132. The magneticassembly 148 and the safety plate 362 may be inserted into the base 132together, after which, the second wall 136 may be coupled to the base.The safety plate 362 may include an eyelet 377 to enable the safetyplate 362 to be magnetically decoupled from the magnetic assembly 148 bypulling the safety plate 362 through the plate opening 360.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top-front isometric view of the brake device 130is depicted and generally designated 400. The brake device 130 of FIG. 4shows the assembled brake device 130 having the safety plate 362inserted in the plate opening 360. For example, the safety plate 362 ispositioned at least partially within the housing structure 131 and isconfigured to neutralize (or isolate) one or more magnetic fieldsassociated with the magnetic assembly 148.

Referring to FIG. 5, a bottom isometric view of the brake device 130 isdepicted and generally designated 500. The brake device 130 of FIG. 5shows the assembled brake device 130 including the safety plate 362.

Referring to FIG. 6, an isometric view of a system that includesmultiple brake devices coupled to a frame is depicted and generallydesignated 600. The system 600 may be coupled to a vehicle, such as thevehicle 102 of FIG. 1. When the system 600 is coupled to the vehicle,the system 600 may move along with the vehicle in a direction of travel.The direction of travel may correspond to the direction of travel 103 ofFIG. 1.

The system 600 may include a frame 604 and brake devices 610-614 coupledto the frame 604. The frame 604 may correspond to the second frame 114of FIG. 1. Each of the brake devices 610-614 may include the brakedevice 130 of FIG. 1. The brake devices 610-614 may include a firstbrake device 610, a second brake device 612, and a third brake device614. Although three brake devices are depicted as being coupled to theframe 604, in other implementations, more than three brake devices orfewer than three brake devices may be coupled to the frame 604. Each ofthe brake devices 610-614 may be coupled to the frame 604 by one or morefasteners, such as a representative bolt 616. The bolt 616 may includeor correspond to the bolt 116 of FIG. 1.

The second brake device 612 is depicted as having a safety plate 622inserted into the second brake device 612. The safety plate 622 mayinclude or correspond to the safety plate 362 of FIG. 3. The secondbrake device 612 including the safety plate 622 may be in a disabledstate.

The first brake device 610 is depicted after a corresponding safetyplate has been removed from the first brake device 610. For example, thecorresponding safety plate may have been removed via the plate opening660. The plate opening 660 may correspond to the plate opening 191, 192of FIG. 1 or the plate opening 360 of FIG. 3. The first brake device 610that does not include a safety plate may be in an active state (e.g., anoperational state). The first brake device 610 may be configured toreceive a first operational plate 630 via the plate opening 660. Thefirst operational plate 630 may include or correspond to the operationalplate 190 of FIG. 1. The first operational plate 630 may be configuredto prevent one or more objects from being inserted into the plateopening 660 while the first brake device 610 is in the active state.

The third brake device 614 is depicted after a second operational plate634 has been inserted into the third brake device 614. The secondoperational plate 634 may include or correspond to the operational plate190 of FIG. 1.

In some implementations, each of the brake devices 610-614 may includeone or more plate brackets. For example, the first brake device 610 mayinclude a first plate bracket 670, and the third brake device 614 mayinclude a second plate bracket 672. Each of the plate brackets may beconfigured to be inserted through an opening of an operational plate.For example, the first plate bracket 670 may be configured to beinserted through a plate bracket opening 631 of the first operationalplate 630. Each of the plate brackets may include an eyelet, such as aneyelet 671 of the second plate bracket 672. When the second platebracket 672 is inserted through a plate bracket opening of the secondoperational plate 634, a securing device (not shown) may be insertedthrough the eyelet 671 to securely couple the second operational plate634 and the third brake device 614. For example, the securing device mayinclude a lock, a bolt, or a lanyard, as illustrative, not limitingexamples.

Referring to FIG. 7, an isometric view of a system that includesmultiple brake devices coupled to a frame is depicted and generallydesignated 700. The system 700 may include or correspond to the system600 of FIG. 6. The system 700 may be coupled to a vehicle, such as thevehicle 102 of FIG. 1. When the system 700 is coupled to the vehicle,the system 700 may move along with the vehicle in a direction of travel.The direction of travel may correspond to the direction of travel 103 ofFIG. 1.

The system 700 may include a frame 604 and brake devices 610-614 coupledto the frame 604. In FIG. 7, each of the brake devices 610-614 is in anactive state (e.g., an operational state) and has a correspondingoperational plate inserted therein. For example, a first operationalplate 730 is inserted in the first brake device, a second operationalplate 732 is inserted into the second brake device 612, and a thirdoperational plate 734 is inserted into the third brake device 614. Eachof the operational plates 730-734 may include or correspond to theoperational plate 190 of FIG. 1, the first operational plate 630, or thesecond operational plate 634 of FIG. 6. Each of the operational plates730-734 may be coupled to a corresponding brake device by a securingdevice (not shown).

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a particular example of a method 800of operating a brake device. The brake device (e.g., a brake module) maycorrespond to the brake module 130 of FIG. 1. In a particularembodiment, the method 800 may be performed at the vehicle 102 or thebrake module 130 of FIG. 1, the brake module 300 of FIG. 3, the brakemodule 400 of FIG. 4, the brake module 500 of FIG. 5, or one or more ofthe brake modules 610-614 of FIG. 6. The brake module may include ahousing structure and a magnetic assembly, such as the housing structure131 and the magnetic assembly 148 of FIG. 1, respectively.

The method 800 includes moving the housing structure in the firstdirection that is the same as a direction of travel of the brake device,at 802. The direction of travel may correspond to the direction oftravel 103 of FIG. 1.

The method 800 includes applying, by the magnetic assembly to thehousing structure, a first force that is applied in an oppositedirection of the direction of travel, at 804. The first force mayinclude or correspond to the first force 222 or the third force 252 ofFIG. 2. The first force may correspond to a braking force that isapplied by the brake device to a vehicle to which the brake device iscoupled. For example, the vehicle may include the vehicle 102 of FIG. 1.

The method 800 includes moving the magnetic assembly in the firstdirection responsive to a second force applied by the housing in thedirection of travel, at 806. The second force may include or correspondto the second force 221 or the fourth force 251 of FIG. 2. The secondforce may be greater than the first force. The magnetic assembly may bemoved from a first position in which the magnetic assembly ismagnetically coupled to a first set of stator poles of an inductor motorto a second position in which the magnetic assembly is magneticallycoupled to a second set of stator poles of the inductor motor.

In some implementations, the housing structure may include a bumper. Forexample, the bumper may correspond to the first bumper 140 of FIG. 1.The housing structure may be moved in the first direction to cause thebumper to contact the magnetic assembly. The first force may be appliedto the housing structure and the second force may be applied to themagnetic assembly via the bumper.

In some implementations, after the magnetic assembly is moved in thefirst direction responsive to the second force, housing structure may bemoved in the first direction. Further, the magnetic assembly may apply athird force to the housing structure. For example, the third force maybe applied in the opposite direction of the direction of travel.Additionally or alternatively, the housing structure may apply a fourthforce to the magnetic assembly. For example, the fourth force may beapplied in the direction of travel. If the third force applied by themagnetic assembly to the housing structure is greater than the fourthforce applied by the housing structure to the magnetic assembly,movement of the housing structure in the direction of travel is stopped.

By applying the first force (and/or the third force) to the housingstructure, a braking force that is opposed to the direction of travelmay be applied by the brake device. Thus, the brake device 130 may beused to slow the velocity of the vehicle 102 in the event of a powerloss associated with the inductor motor.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, examples of the disclosure are described inthe context of a vehicle manufacturing and service method 900 asillustrated by the flow chart of FIG. 9 and a vehicle system 1000 asillustrated by the block diagram of FIG. 10. A vehicle produced by thevehicle manufacturing and service method 900 of FIG. 9 and a vehicle1002 of FIG. 10 may include a railcar, an aircraft, a watercraft, a landcraft, a spacecraft, an autonomous vehicle, or a combination thereof, asillustrative, non-limiting examples.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flowchart illustrative of a life cycle of avehicle (e.g., a railcar, an automobile, a boat, etc.) that includes abrake module, such as the brake module 130 of FIG. 1, is shown anddesignated 900. During pre-production, the exemplary method 900includes, at 902, specification and design of a vehicle, such as thevehicle 1002 described with reference to FIG. 10. During specificationand design of the vehicle, the method 900 may include, at 920,specification and design of a brake module. For example, the brakemodule may include the brake module 130 of FIG. 1, the brake module 300of FIG. 3, the brake module 400 of FIG. 4, the brake module 500 of FIG.5, one or more of the brake modules 610-614 of FIG. 6, or a combinationthereof. At 904, the method 900 includes material procurement. At 930,the method 900 includes procuring materials for the brake module.

During production, the method 900 includes, at 906, component andsubassembly manufacturing and, at 908, system integration of thevehicle. The method 900 may include, at 940, component and subassemblymanufacturing (e.g., producing the housing and/or the magnetic assembly)of the brake module and, at 950, system integration (e.g., mounting thebrake module to the vehicle or a frame coupled to the vehicle). At 910,the method 900 includes certification and delivery of the vehicle and,at 912, placing the vehicle in service. Certification and delivery mayinclude, at 960, certifying the brake module. At 970, the method 900includes placing the brake module in service. While in service by acustomer, the vehicle may be scheduled for routine maintenance andservice (which may also include modification, reconfiguration,refurbishment, and so on). At 914, the method 900 includes performingmaintenance and service on the vehicle. At 980, the method 900 includesperforming maintenance and service of the brake module. For example,maintenance and service of the brake module may include replacing one ormore of the bumper, the magnetic assembly, the housing, one or bolts,the operational plate, and/or one or more sidewalls.

Each of the processes of the method 900 may be performed or carried outby a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., acustomer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator mayinclude without limitation any number of vehicle manufacturers andmajor-system subcontractors; a third party may include withoutlimitation any number of venders, subcontractors, and suppliers; and anoperator may be a rail company, a transportation company (e.g., anairline), leasing company, military entity, service organization, and soon. Although the method 900 has been described as the brake module beinginstalled prior to delivery of the vehicle, in other implementations,the brake module may be integrated in (e.g., mounted to) a vehicle thatis already in service.

Referring to FIG. 10, a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of avehicle that includes a brake module is shown and designated 1000. Forexample, the vehicle 1002 may include or correspond to the vehicle 102of FIG. 1. To illustrate, the vehicle 1002 may include a railcar, as anillustrative, non-limiting example. As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle1002 (e.g., a railcar) produced by the method 900 may include a body1018 with a plurality of systems 1020, an interior 1022, and a chassis1004. Examples of high-level systems 1020 include one or more of apropulsion system 1024, an electrical system 1026, a hydraulic system1028, an environmental system 1030, and a brake system 940. The brakesystem 1040 may include an active braking system 1042 and a passivebraking system 1044. The passive braking system 1044 may be utilized bythe vehicle 1002 in the event of a loss of power being supplied to thevehicle (or components and/or systems thereof). The passive brakingsystem 1044 may include or correspond to the brake module 130 of FIG. 1,the brake module 300 of FIG. 3, the brake module 400 of FIG. 4, thebrake module 500 of FIG. 5, one or more of the brake modules 610-614 ofFIG. 6, or a combination thereof. Any number of other systems may beincluded. Although a general vehicle is shown, the example describedherein may be applied to one or more industries, such as the automotiveindustry and/or the aerospace, as illustrative, non-limiting examples.

Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one ormore of the stages of the method 900. For example, components orsubassemblies corresponding to production process 908 may be fabricatedor manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassembliesproduced while the vehicle 1002 is in service, at 912 for example andwithout limitation. Also, one or more apparatuses, methods embodiments,or a combination thereof, may be utilized during the production stages(e.g., elements 902-910 of the method 900), for example, bysubstantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of the vehicle1002. Similarly, one or more apparatuses, methods, or a combinationthereof, may be utilized while the vehicle 1002 is in service, at 912for example and without limitation, to maintenance and service, at 914.

The illustrations of the examples described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, method steps may be performed in a different order than shownin the figures or one or more method steps may be omitted. Accordingly,the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

Moreover, although specific examples have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar results may be substituted forthe specific aspects shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any andall subsequent adaptations or variations of various aspects.Combinations of the above aspects, and other aspects not specificallydescribed herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, variousfeatures may be grouped together or described in a single example forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. As the following claimsreflect, the claimed subject matter may be directed to less than all ofthe features of any of the disclosed examples.

Examples described above illustrate but do not limit the disclosure. Itshould also be understood that numerous modifications and variations arepossible in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the followingclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a housing structure; anda magnetic assembly, wherein the magnetic assembly is configured toslide within the housing structure in a first direction associated witha direction of travel of the housing structure and in a second directionthat is opposite of the first direction, the magnetic assemblycomprising: a first pole plate having a first polarity; and a secondpole plate having a second polarity that is opposite of the firstpolarity.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pole plate isspaced apart from the second pole plate at a predetermined spacing, toenable the first pole plate and the second pole plate to align with aset of stator poles of an induction motor that are spaced apart atapproximately the same predetermined spacing.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, wherein a distance that the magnetic assembly may slide within thehousing structure is at least greater than the predetermined spacingbetween the first pole plate and the second pole plate, and wherein thehousing structure is non-magnetic.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe magnetic assembly includes a first magnet positioned between thefirst pole plate and the second pole plate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein magnetic assembly further comprises: a third pole plate havingthe first polarity; and a second magnet, the second magnet positionedbetween the second pole plate and the third pole plate.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the housing structure includes a base having a slotconfigured to guide movement of the magnetic assembly within the housingstructure.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the housing structurefurther includes: a wall coupled to the base; and a bumper coupled tothe wall, wherein the bumper is positioned between the wall and themagnetic assembly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the wallincludes a plate opening via which a safety plate may be inserted andremoved.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a safety plate,wherein the safety plate is positioned at least partially within thehousing structure, wherein the safety plate is configured to isolate oneor more magnetic fields associated with the magnetic assembly.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the safety plate comprises steel.
 11. Amethod comprising: at a brake device including a housing structure and amagnetic assembly coupled to the housing structure, the magneticassembly configured to move relative to the housing structure in a firstdirection and in a second direction within the housing structure,performing: moving the housing structure in the first direction that isthe same as a direction of travel of the brake device; applying, by themagnetic assembly to the housing structure, a first force that isapplied in an opposite direction of the direction of travel; and movingthe magnetic assembly in the first direction responsive to a secondforce applied by the housing structure in the direction of travel. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein, responsive to the second force, themagnetic assembly is moved from a first position in which the magneticassembly is magnetically coupled to a first set of stator poles of aninductor motor to a second position in which the magnetic assembly ismagnetically coupled to a second set of stator poles of the inductormotor.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second force that causesthe magnetic assembly to move in the first direction is greater than thefirst force applied by the magnetic assembly in the opposite direction.14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first force corresponds to abraking force that is applied by the brake device to a vehicle to whichthe brake device is coupled.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising, after the magnetic assembly is moved in the first directionresponsive to the second force: moving the housing structure in thefirst direction; applying, by the magnetic assembly to the housingstructure, a third force that is in applied in the opposite direction ofthe direction of travel; and applying, by the housing structure to themagnetic assembly, a fourth force that is applied in the direction oftravel; and if the third force applied by the magnetic assembly to thehousing structure is greater than the fourth force applied by thehousing structure to the magnetic assembly, stopping movement of thehousing structure in the direction of travel.
 16. The method of claim11, wherein the housing structure includes a bumper, wherein the housingstructure is moved in the first direction to cause the bumper to contactthe magnetic assembly, and wherein the first force is applied to thehousing structure and the second force is applied to the magneticassembly via the bumper.
 17. A system comprising: a primary of aninduction motor; and a vehicle including: a secondary of the inductionmotor, the secondary configured to cause movement of the vehicle in adirection of travel responsive to the primary of the induction motorbeing energized; and a brake device, the brake device configured toapply a braking force to the vehicle responsive to the primary of theinduction motor being de-energized.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe brake device comprises a housing structure and a magnetic assembly,the magnetic assembly configured to slide within the housing structurein a first direction associated with the direction of travel and in asecond direction that is opposite of the first direction.
 19. The systemof claim 18, wherein, responsive to the primary being de-energized: themagnetic assembly is configured to move to a first position in which themagnetic assembly is magnetically coupled to a first set of stator polesof the primary; and the housing structure is configured to move in thedirection of travel.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the brakingforce is applied by the magnetic assembly to the housing structure, andwherein the induction motor comprises a linear induction motor.